Frustrations boiled over early in Wednesday’s Game 4 NBA Finals clash between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. As San Antonio began running away with the contest, Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama seemingly began talking smack to Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson as the two ran up the court.
Robinson responded by delivering an elbow straight to the French phenom’s neck area, resulting in a Flagrant 1 foul that divided the NBA world.
Mitchell Robinson’s Game 4 Flagrant Foul on Victor Wembanyama Sparks Mixed Reactions
Looking to defend its home court after falling 115-111 at MSG in Game 3, New York dug itself into an early hole amid star center Karl-Anthony Towns’ foul trouble and San Antonio’s blistering hot 3-point shooting.
Upon getting his shot at containing Wembanyama, Robinson let his emotions get the best of him with the Knicks trailing 37-20 late in the first quarter. The 7-footer’s excessive elbow was promptly upgraded to a Flagrant 1 foul, with some perceiving the altercation as retaliation for Wembanyama’s controversial Game 3 shove on New York star guard Jalen Brunson.
Victor Wembanyama told Mitchell Robinson he is in his head
Robinson responded by elbowing him in the throat pic.twitter.com/IeBLHdY40T
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) June 11, 2026
As such, the NBA community on X had mixed feelings about the play, with some considering it justified, while others questioned Robinson’s thought process after allotting the Spurs two free throws and the ball.
“Wemby scored on Mitch, I think talked a little s**t, and then Mitch basically elbowed Wemby in the face. … MSG crowd loved it. Receipt for the Jalen one,” The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III weighed in.
Wemby scored on Mitch, I think talked a little shit, and then Mitch basically elbowed Wemby in the face. Flagrant for sure is coming.
MSG crowd loved it — receipt for the Jalen one.
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) June 11, 2026
“It is a Flagrant 1. Wemby was talking to Robinson as he ran up court after he scored. I’m thinking no regrets,” Newsday Sports’ Steve Popper wrote.
It is a flagrant 1 — Wemby was talking to Robinson as he ran up court after he scored. I’m thinking no regrets. https://t.co/Kzn7PSQOUo
— Steve Popper (@StevePopper) June 11, 2026
“That’s a dumb foul by Mitchell Robinson. This will get upgraded to a flagrant foul,” ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly reacted to the play.
That’s a dumb foul by Mitchell Robinson. This will get upgraded to a flagrant foul
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) June 11, 2026
“Mitchell Robinson is selling the game,” an NBA content creator asserted.
Mitchell Robinson is selling the game
— 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒆 🌩 (@Three_Cone) June 11, 2026
“Wemby ragebaited Mitchell Robinson,” content creator Ahmed/The Ears suggested.
Wemby ragebaited Mitchell Robinson pic.twitter.com/EGxTSRpIHD https://t.co/jL1OLvEqjP
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) June 11, 2026
Meanwhile, veteran NBA analyst Skip Bayless hinted at a possible officiating double standard.
“So how is that a flagrant and Wemby on Brunson and Castle on Brunson in G3 were not???” Bayless questioned.
So how is that a flagrant and Wemby on Brunson and Castle on Brunson in G3 were not???
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 11, 2026
The Knicks entered Game 4 with a 2-1 series lead after stealing Games 1 and 2 in San Antonio. Their last NBA championship came in 1973, making every possession feel crucial for their increasingly anxious fan base.
Despite the anticipation surrounding Wednesday’s contest, New York entered halftime trailing 76-49, with the Spurs setting a Finals record with 14-for-26 shooting from deep (53.8%) in the first half.
